A subject heading authority list, computer prepared.

Expert InsightsPublished 1966

A report of the design, programming, and operation of the RAND Library's computerized subject heading authority list (SHAL), which is printed out in standard Library of Congress format. Random insertion and deletion had to be provided for. A code-sort method was adopted. The list was first divided into groups by the first three letters of the headings. Then each main entry, subdivision, cross-reference, or scope note was manually assigned a unique code number, chosen according to an increment table specially prepared to maintain even spacing of entries within each group. Preparation of input data from 5000 file cards required three months and 25,000 punched cards. The punched cards used for the quarterly updating also produce biweekly change notices. Changes and refinements are possible with little coding and programming cost. Typing and coding rules, standard abbreviations for subdivisions, entry tables, the increment table, and the JOSS program that prepared it are given in the appendixes. 59 pp.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1966
  • Pages: 59
  • Document Number: P-3485

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Chicago Manual of Style

A subject heading authority list, computer prepared. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1966. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P3485.html.
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